Death Knell for Commonwealth Games: The World's Worst-Kept Secret Exposed

The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have just dealt a devastating blow to South African sports as the country will no longer be able to send its celebrated cricket teams or Sevens sides to the prestigious event.

This latest development raises serious concerns about the relevance and credibility of the Commonwealth Games in modern times. For years, the Commonwealth Games Federation has been struggling to keep the sports event afloat and relevant in an era dominated by high-profile international competitions like the Olympics and the World Championships.

The removal of South Africa's cricket and Sevens teams from the Glasgow event is the tip of the iceberg. It highlights a deeper issue that has been plaguing the Commonwealth Games for years - a lack of vision, purpose, and sustainability.

The once-prestigious Commonwealth Games, which were first held in 1930, have gradually lost their appeal and excitement. Many sports enthusiasts now view the event as an unnecessary duplicate of the Olympics, devoid of the glamour and energy that characterized it in its heyday. Moreover, the dwindling viewership and lack of serious competitors have sounded the alarm bells for the event's future.

The writing has been on the wall for some time now, and the axing of South Africa's teams from the 2026 games could be the straw that breaks the camel's back. If the Commonwealth Games Federation fails to reform and rejuvenate the event, it risks facing extinction in the not-too-distant future.

Several questions need to be answered: Can the Commonwealth Games Federation survive the loss of its core attractions and teams? How will the removal of South Africa's cricket and Sevens teams from the event affect its overall reputation and perceived value? And what steps will the Federation take to bring back the lost appeal of the games?

The Commonwealth Games have had their share of glorious moments in the past, but all indications point to an uncertain future. As the 2026 Glasgow event looms closer, the question on every sports enthusiast's lips remains: Is it time to call time on the Commonwealth Games and acknowledge the sad reality that the world has moved on?